Fall and spring sports seasons keep Sugar Land kids busy on fields, courts and in the pool. A properly fitted mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s teeth, lips and jaw during practice and games.
Why Kids Need Mouth Guards for Sports
Contact and fast-moving sports like football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse and martial arts all carry a risk of chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth. A mouth guard cushions impact and helps keep teeth where they belong.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouth Guards
- Stock mouth guards come ready to wear but often fit loosely and make talking and breathing harder.
- Boil-and-bite guards fit better and are a good budget option.
- Custom mouth guards are made from a model of your child’s teeth for the most comfortable, secure fit.
Tips for Young Athletes
- Wear the guard at every practice, not just games.
- Rinse it after each use and store it in a ventilated case.
- Replace it when it shows wear or no longer fits — kids’ mouths change quickly.
- Children with braces need a guard designed to fit over brackets. Once braces come off, a retainer keeps teeth in place. See how long to wear a retainer after braces.
Custom Mouth Guards in Sugar Land
Our Sugar Land pediatric dentist on Citadel Way can fit your child for a custom sports mouth guard. If a tooth is knocked out or broken during a game, call (713) 955-2100 right away and see our dental emergency guide.
